There is a plan circulating in the Toronto sports community for a multi-sport recreation zone and park will bring Torontonians back to their waterfront.

The area in question is the Eastern Portlands in downtown Toronto. A Condo development is proposed for the area that would see 40,000 condos on 200 acres of land in the Eastern Portlands. Toronto City Council will vote on this proposal in February 2003.

Another vision for the area is being put forth by MP Dennis Mills, and community volunteers. This vision includes facilities for arts, culture, entertainment and sports and recreation, including a cycling velodrome and a BMX track in addition to over 30 other sports facilities.

How soon can it be done? The organizers feel most of this could be a reality by autumn 2003. They believe that Torontonians will choose community, culture, recreation and sport over a wall of condos.

If you believe in a People's Plan for the Eastern Portlands, show your support. Let your Councillor, your MPP and your MP know exactly how you feel.

To view our new online newsletter, go to www.greentourism.ca, click Products and Services and then click "current newsletter".

This edition has lots of news including:

- News on the second edition of The OTHER Map of Toronto (also known as the green map)- Updates on our membership and sponsorship drives- Recently released labour market report looks at the urban green tourism industry in Toronto, exploring opportunities, needs, potential growth and trends- Information on the City of Toronto's Pedestrian Charter - the first in North America- Winter listings with lots to explore in Toronto- A new day trip - snowshoe through Rouge Park, North America's largest natural environment park in an urban setting

The Opus women's cycling team is proud to announce its second year of racing as a Canadian Cycling Association Trade Team. This year the team features an expanded roster and will have a greater presence at road events throughout Canada and North America.

New Team Members: Samantha Nicholson: 4th at the 2002 Canadian Cyclocross Championship. Christina Briante: former National Triathlon Champion, World Cup Triathlon competitor.Breanna Loster: double medallist (Keirin and Sprints), 2002 National Track Champs.Heather Parrot: 6th place at the 2002 National Road Cycling ChampionshipsMarilyn MacDonald: professional Ironman Triathlete who will compete with the team in road race events.

Sarah Stewart, Diana Bladon and Jenny Trew are all returning members, whose outstanding performances proved themselves worthy of a Trade Team status and gave them the opportunity to compete against the best teams on the North American racing scene. Stewart was the top Canadian at the Tour of Enumclaw and a strong finisher in many B.C. and Pacific Northwest events. Bladon was second in the Tri-Province Road Race Series (AB, SK & MB) and winner of several races in Alberta. Trew, a former Junior National Sprint Champion, placed 4th at the 2002 National Road Cycling Championships and was a highly aggressive rider during Superweek in Wisconsin.

Dan Proulx, who founded the team, is returning as the Team's Director for 2003.

Opus is focused on the development of Canadian talent and has strong sponsors who have taken a leadership role in bringing Canadian Women's Cycling to this higher level. With the help of the teams' sponsors, especially the involvement of Outdoor Gear Canada's [OGC] Eric Kotlarsky; National Marketing Manager and Phil MacDonald; Regional Representative, this year's team has expanded by three members and has major goals for the future, which include the World Cup in Montreal and the National Championships in Hamilton.

The team kicks off the season in February with a training camp in Phoenix and racing at the Valley of The Sun Stage Race.

CC Store Update

We have added some blowout Eddy Merckx and Pinarello framesets to the Bikes & Frames section of the store. Please note that there are limited sizes and quantities available. Look for the models with Sale Price listed.

Tomorrow is the last day for guaranteed Christmas delivery to BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. After that, we will have to use more costly delivery methods to ensure items arrive in time for Christmas.